EP1563472B1 - Method for controlling several apparatuses with the aid of a link attached device and said link attached device for carrying out said method - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method for controlling a plurality of electronic devices from a portable device such as a remote control, and the portable device for carrying out the method.

Many electronic devices can receive signals from a remote control which allows a user to remotely control these devices. Generally, these devices are used in the multimedia field, for example: a television receiver, a video recorder, a DVD player, a decoder, an amplifier, an audio CD player, etc. Remote controls can also control computer devices. (eg PCs, printers, scanners, ...) or home automation (any home appliances connected or not to a home network). The remote control has dedicated keys and unmarked keys (for example, those on the numeric keypad). The dedicated keys allow the user to send a command to the device, this command can be directly linked to a specific function of the device such as sound volume control, image contrast, ignition or extinction, etc. The command can also be used by the user interface as a navigation element such as: cursor movement, call to a menu, selection of an item highlighted on a display member. The remotes can also be provided with a sensitive surface where the keys appear by shapes displayed on a graphic surface, an LCD screen displaying icons for example. The remotes transmit a packet of signals containing an identification code of the device to be controlled and the code of the activated key corresponding to a command. The transmitted signal is optical (infrared for example), radioelectric, electrical (using a wire), sound (ultrasound) or any other medium for transmitting a digital data.

The generalization of remote controls for many devices leads to the multiplicity of these. Suppose a multimedia installation including a TV receiver, a decoder, a VCR a DVD player and an amplifier, the user has five remote controls forming a bulky assembly, the user is often mistaken in the choice of one of them. To solve these problems, the user can equip himself with a universal remote control capable of controlling several devices. The choice of the device to be controlled is for example using a multi-position switch or pushbuttons associated with each device, the last activated push button selecting the device to be controlled. Because of this, universal remotes are more tedious to use than remote controls dedicated to a single device because, before issuing an order, it is necessary to always specify which device the user wants to control. It is therefore necessary, before activating a key of such a remote control, to associate this key with the desired device.

The document US 5,410,326 - GOLDSTEIN describes a remote control allowing to control successively several devices by a change of mode. It has a touch screen displaying icons that the user can select to execute commands. It also has connection means for downloading an application adapted to the control of a particular device. Using a menu, the user selects the application corresponding to the device he wants to control, then issues commands to this device. Therefore the remote control described in this document does not have a special mode where the user can control multiple devices, without the need for each command to select each device beforehand.

The document US 6,127,961 - STACY describes a programmable remote control allowing to control several devices of function and of different mark. It has five LEDs indicating which device is affected by the current action and a means of entering a code to select the device according to the brand and function. A button allows you to select a specific device by turning on one of the LEDs, so the remote control can not control multiple devices in a special mode, without the need for each command to select each device beforehand.

The document US 4,825,200 EVANS discloses a programmable remote control with a first mode of operation for controlling one of a plurality of devices and a second mode for controlling multiple devices at a time. This document does not disclose that the means for selecting one of the plurality of devices also enables the second mode to be activated.

Recently, a subsidiary of the applicant manufacturing remote controls, has made device / function combinations limited to certain specific cases. For example, when the multimedia installation comprises a television receiver and an audio amplifier, the volume control of the sound can be realized at the level of the amplifier or at the level of the television receiver. The remote controls manufactured by the plaintiff's subsidiary called "Plasma" are identical for these two different devices, they have a selector to assign the remote control to a specific type of device. Depending on the position of the selector, the signals transmitted are intended for the device selected by the selector. But, this remote control is able to send sound control signals using the "SOUND +" and "SOUND-" buttons to different devices. For this, in accordance with the instructions for use of this remote control, the user must hold the "MENU" button and at the same time press the "9", "9", "9" keys to assign the sound control receiver or press the "9", "9", "0" buttons to assign the sound control to the amplifier. The assignment is stored in a non-volatile memory, there is no need to repeat the operation each time. For example, when the selector is set to VCR, the "SOUND +" and "SOUND-" buttons control either the TV receiver or the amplifier and the keys 1-9 and the Program + and Program keys - control the change of channels on the video recorder.

Another example relates to "Plasma" remotes used to control DVD players, VCRs or TVs, which are also manufactured by the applicant's subsidiary. These remote controls have the "PLAY", "STOP", "REV", "FWD", and "PAUSE" keys for controlling the playback of a media such as a magnetic video cassette or a DVD disc. When the selector is in the "TV" position, the receiving device of the signals emitted when one of the keys is activated depends on the previous position of the selector. If the user has previously switched the position selector "VCR" to "TV", activating one of these buttons controls the VCR. If the switch was in the "DVD" position before "TV", pressing one of these buttons controls the DVD player.

These previous examples show that it is known to occasionally associate keys to certain devices. But this association requires a complex operating sequence that the user does not always remember. In addition, the associations are limited to specific cases defined by the manufacturer at the origin, which limits the possibilities offered to the user.

The invention proposes a new method of programming the functions of a remote control and a new remote control solving the problems of the prior art, offering increased control possibilities and a simple and flexible way of controlling several devices at the same time.

The present invention is defined by the subject matter of the independent claims.

• la figure 1 présente un schéma d'une architecture interne des principaux éléments d'une télécommande selon un exemple de réalisation de l'invention,
• la figure 2 illustre un schéma d'une télécommande selon un exemple de réalisation de l'invention,
• la figure 3 est un organigramme représentant les principales étapes pour la mise en oeuvre d'un exemple de réalisation de l'invention illustré par la figure 1,
• la figure 4 est un organigramme représentant les principales étapes pour la mise en oeuvre d'un perfectionnement du présent exemple de réalisation de l'invention illustré par la figure 1.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent in more detail in the context of the following description of exemplary embodiments given by way of illustration with reference to the appended figures which represent:

• the figure 1 presents a diagram of an internal architecture of the main elements of a remote control according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention,
• the figure 2 illustrates a diagram of a remote control according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention,
• the figure 3 is a flowchart representing the main steps for the implementation of an exemplary embodiment of the invention illustrated by the figure 1 ,
• the figure 4 is a flowchart showing the main steps for implementing an improvement of the present exemplary embodiment of the invention illustrated by the figure 1 .

The figure 1 represents the main elements constituting an apparatus control module according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, typically a remote control. The remote control 1 is provided with: a central unit 2 made for example in the form of a microprocessor, controlling the other elements: a memory 3 containing the executable program and data, advantageously, the memory 3 can be integrated in the microprocessor 1, a communication interface 4 for formatting (modulation, amplification, ...) of the signals transmitted by the remote control to the various devices. The interface is connected to an infrared signal transmitter 5. Advantageously, the interface 4 can also be integrated in the microprocessor. The integration of the memory 3 and the interface 4 is possible by using a microcontroller as a central unit 1.

The remote control has a keyboard 6 that includes a set of keys electrically connected in columns and lines (not shown) to the central unit 2, the executable program of the memory 3 includes a module for decoding lines and columns allowing to determine the code of the key pressed on the keyboard 6. According to the present embodiment, the keyboard 6 includes in particular the "CONFIGURATION" key and other keys such as: "SOUND +", "SOUND -", "PLAY" , "MUTE", etc .... The remote control is powered by a battery 7 providing the operating energy; a non-contact type of power supply by photo-voltaic cells for example is also possible. The remote control has a selector 8 having several positions, this selector allows the user to choose between several devices such as a television receiver, a VCR, an amplifier, ... A position of this selector activates the "MULTI" mode. Which allows you to control several devices at the same time. One variant consists in replacing the selector 8 by a set of keys on the keyboard 6, the number of keys in the set being equal to that of the positions of the selector 8. A second variant consists in combining the two: a selector for selecting the device and a button to activate the "MULTI" mode. Since the key has a higher priority than the selector, to exit the "MULTI" mode, it is necessary either to press the key a second time, to change the position of the selector 8. Optionally and according to an improvement which will be detailed later, the remote control 1 is provided with visual indicators 9, typically LEDs of different colors whose roles will be detailed later.

An alternative to the selector 8 having several positions is to use a push button and several indicator LED type. Each LED representing a device, presses the button turns off the LED lit and ignition of the next, and so on forming a chase. By indicating the light on, the user knows the selected device.

The figure 2 shows a scheme of organization of the keys such that the user has on the upper face of the remote control. Advantageously, the shape of the keys depends on their functions, so the keys "SON +" and "SON-" are grouped into a three-position toggle whose middle position is the one of rest. The 4 direction keys form arrows oriented in four directions. The Stop / Start button on a device is easily distinguishable. The selector 8 for the choice of different devices and the activation of the "MULTI" mode is represented by a set of keys on the figure 2 . The "CONFIGURATION" key located near the selector 8 is clearly identified. According to an exemplary embodiment, when the selector is positioned in "MULTI" mode, the figure 2 shows examples of associations between commands activated by keys and specific devices: the control buttons of "SON +" and "SON-" are associated with the audio amplifier, the buttons "program +" and program- " and the numeric keypad are associated with the decoder, and the buttons "PLAY", "PAUSE", "FAST FORWARD", "QUICK RETURN", "STOP" are associated with the DVD player. In the example of the figure 2 , the navigation buttons are not associated with any device and therefore have no effect in the MULTI position.

After having shown the different elements allowing the realization of an example of a control module, we will now detail how these elements cooperate.

The figure 3 shows a flow chart showing the main steps for the implementation of an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Initially, in step 3.1, the selector 8 is positioned on any device which allows the remote control 1 to control it preferentially, that is to say the majority of keys control this device is the standard mode. In step 3.2, the user presses the "CONFIGURATION" key which activates the execution of a special module of the executable program contained in the memory 3. During step 3.2, the user programs the associations between commands and devices. During this step, the remote control does not emit infrared signals. Then in step 3.3, the user exits the configuration step by pressing a second time on the "CONFIGURATION" key, the remote control can again control the device determined by the position of the selector 8, as in the step 3.1. In step 3.4, the user positions the selector 8 in "MULTI" mode. Following this action, the remote control is in a mode where all the associations programmed in step 3.2 are activated. Then (in step 3.5), when the user wishes to control only one device again with all the functions available on the remote control 1, it changes the active position of the selector 8 and, positions it on this device, the remote control finds the same behavior as in step 3.1.

The transition to configuration mode can be done in different ways. The one described above is an example, it consists of a button that activates the mode during the first press and deactivates it during the second press. One variant is that the remote control is in configuration mode as long as the "CONFIGURATION" button is pressed. The user presses a command key, which creates the association between this command and the device corresponding to the current position of the selector 8. In this way, inadvertent press on the "CONFIGURATION" button will not inadvertently create a new association. Another variant is that a long press (at least 5 seconds) on a control key allows an association between the command corresponding to the pressed key and the device corresponding to the current position of the selector 8. This variant avoids the installing a CONFIGURATION button on the remote control. Other ways of doing things are conceivable which do not deviate from the object of the present invention.

The figure 4 presents a flowchart of the operations to be performed during step 3.2 of configuration of the associations. In step 3.2.1, the user presses the "CONFIGURATION" key. Then in step 3.2.2, the user selects a device by positioning the selector 8. Then, in step 3.2.3, the user chooses a command by pressing the corresponding key, a "sound +" function key. for example. Following these two operations, in step 3.2.4, the executable program associates the selected device with the corresponding command to the key pressed. The associations are recorded in a nonvolatile part (of the EEPROM type for example) of the memory 3, in the form of a table called "table of associations" whose general structure is as follows: TABLE 1 order Device code 1A - "SOUND +" 03 1B - "SOUND -" 03 45 - "PLAY" 02 56 - "Stop" 01 57 - "Walk" 01 B0 - "Program -" 01 B1 - "Program +" 01

The code of the command is advantageously that of the corresponding key. Table 1 associates codes in hexadecimal keys and devices. According to the example of the table above, the code of the television receiver is "01", that of the DVD player is "02" and that of the amplifier is "03". The table data defines that in MULTI mode, the commands "Off", "On", "Program +" and "Program -" control the TV receiver, the "PLAY" control controls the DVD player and the "SOUND" controls. + "And" SOUND - "the amplifier.

If in step 3.2.5, the user presses the "CONFIGURATION" key a second time, the remote control exits the configuration mode by blocking the table 1 of the associations. The table of associations can only be modified by returning to configuration mode. If the user activates the selector 8, either by pressing a push button if the selector consists of push buttons, or by changing the position of the switch if the selector is made from such an element, the program loops again in step 3.2.2 and the user can perform another association. Alternatively, steps 3.2.2 and 3.2.3 can be reversed, the user can first choose a key before associating with a device.

A first improvement is to transmit the codes of the key to several devices by multiplexing the signals and emitting them in repetitive bursts. In this case, Table 1 can contain several device codes for the same key. For example, if the line corresponding to the coded "Off" key 56, the three devices (coded 01, 02 and 03) are associated with this key, then the remote control can turn off the three devices together. Alternatively, the array of associations may have one device per line, and all the key codes associated with that device form a list contained in the second column of the table.

An improvement, represented by the dashed elements on the figure 4 is to loop the program in step 3.2.3 to assign all commands to the same device without having to designate each time. The program tests in step 3.2.6 whether the user selects a command by pressing a key or selects a device using selector 8. In the first case, the program jumps to step 3.2 .3 to make a new association of a new order with the same device as before. In the second case, the program jumps to step 3.2.2 to make a new association of a new key with a new device.

Another improvement is to prohibit certain associations. To prohibit such associations, Table 1 is modified to contain a new column: TABLE 2 Order code (key) Device code Prohibited device code 1A - "SOUND +" 03 02 1B - "SOUND -" 03 02 45 - "PLAY" 02 01.03 56 - "Stop" 01 57 - "Walk" 01 B0 - "Program -" 01 02.03 B1 - "Program +" 01 02.03

The third column is programmed by the manufacturer of the remote control and is not editable. According to the example given by the values above, if the user during the configuration step 3.2 associates the command "PLAY" with an audio amplifier, or with the television receiver, this association is not possible, the remote control gives the user a visual or audible indication of an error. Typically, the "CONFIGURATION" key can not be associated with a particular device, any attempt to associate with this key is doomed to failure. The visual indication is typically the red flashing of one of the indicators 9. The association is not stored in the memory. If the remote control has a touch screen, after the selection of a device, particularly advantageous, only appear icons or graphical representations of authorized keys. Thus in a very simple way, the user sees immediately on his keyboard / touch screen associations that can be programmed. One variant is that the indication of a forbidden association attempt is indicated by a sounding tone emitting a brief sound.

Another improvement is to define several sets of associations. It is thus possible to associate a game with a specific user, during the configuration step, this user creates his own associations. One can also associate a game with a privileged device, for example the DVD or the VCR, according to the one or the other case the commands "PLAY", "STOP", "REV", "FWD", and "PAUSE" are intended to control the DVD or VCR while other keys control other devices. It is also possible to associate a game to a determined part of a home, the stage of configuration of such a game takes into account the devices present in the room

For this, and in a manner known per se, the remote control has a means of introducing a code identifying a game, this means is for example a special touch that the user pushes, then he introduces a code that is generally a number from 0 to 9 or a multi-digit code using the keys from 0 to 9, to identify the game. This code identifies each column of the association table. The table of associations then takes the following structure: TABLE 3 Order code (key) Device code per game game 1 game 2 game 3 game 4 1A - "SOUND +" 03 01 01 01 1B - "SOUND -" 03 01 01 01 45 - "PLAY" 02 02 02 02 56 - "Stop" 01 01,02 01,02,03 02 57 - "Walk" 01 01,02 01,02,03 02 B0 - "Program -" 01 01 01 01 B1 - "Program +" 01 01 01 01

During the configuration step, the associations entered are recorded in the column corresponding to the identified game. In the example of Table 3 described above, four sets of associations are already introduced. When a user places the remote control in MULTI mode, he introduces then code a game after pressing the "special key", then the remote search in the corresponding game column to extract good associations.

An alternative to this last improvement is to have a selector 8 having several positions MULTI, typically 3. These 3 positions are each associated with a specific set of associations. Another way to do this is to have a second selector presenting the user with different numbers. In the MULTI position, this second selector makes it possible to select a set of associations among several.

Another improvement consists in associating with each device one of the visual indicators 9 of the remote control. These indicators are typically LEDs that for reasons of economy, the remote control only lights for a specified period, for example 5 seconds or only the duration of the support. The LED is placed right next to the name of the screen-printed device on the front panel. When a user places the remote control in MULTI mode and then presses a key, if one or more associations between this key and at least one device has been realized during the configuration step 3.2, then the indicator (s) corresponding to the devices associated with this key are lit. In this way, the user who does not always remember what he has programmed, can see immediately which device is controlled by this key. A preferred embodiment is that the selector 8 is constituted with as many pushbuttons as devices and a two-position switch. The push buttons that select a device contain a light in their body. The switch allows to activate or not the MULTI mode, the switch position allows the user to see immediately if it is in MULTI mode or not. When the user switches the switch back to normal mode, the device selected before the MULTI mode is selected again and its LED is lit.

Another refinement is to implement a RESET or delete function of an association or an association game. A The first way to do this is to install an "ERASE" key. In configuration mode, the user makes the same association as the one programmed and then presses the "CLEAR" button, the association is then erased from the memory. A second way is to have a RESET button that erases all the memory containing the table of associations. A third way of doing things, advantageous if using a remote control with a touch screen, is to use a menu that allows you to easily read the associations made and to erase them selectively.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the particular embodiments illustrated, it is not limited by these embodiments, but only by the appended claims. It will be noted that changes or modifications may be made by the person skilled in the art.

Claims (18)

1. Method for controlling at least one electronic appliance using a remote device such as a remote control comprising control means and an appliance selection means among a plurality of appliances, said method comprising

   - an association programming step (3.2) between a control means and an appliance among a plurality of appliances,

   - a device activation step in a first mode (3.1) where the control means control the selected appliance by the selection means,

   - a device activation step in a second mode (3.4) where several appliances at least are controlled by the control means according to associations created during the programming step,

   characterised in that:

   - the appliance selection means among a plurality of appliance also makes it possible to activate the second mode.
2. Control method according to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises an association controlling step during the programming step (3.2) unauthorising the programming of unauthorised associations.
3. Control method according to claim 2, characterised in that an attempt to programme an unauthorised association triggers the emission of an alarm signal.
4. Control method according to one of claims 1, 2 or 3, characterised in that it comprises a display step of a visual identifier of an appliance, said step being triggered when the device is in the second mode and the user activates a control means associated with this appliance.
5. Control method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the programming step (3.2) comprises a first selection step of an appliance and a selection step of several control means at the same time, these control means being associated with this appliance.
6. Control method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the programming step comprises a first selection step of a control means and a selection step of several appliances at the same time, these appliances being associated with this control means.
7. Control method according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that the programming step (3.2) enables the definition of at least one set of associations, and in that it comprises a selection step of a set of associations enabling the activation of this set when the device is in the second mode.
8. Device for the remote control of a plurality of electronic appliances, comprising control means (6) and a selection means (8) of an appliance among the plurality, a programming means (2, 3, 6, 8) of at least one association between at least one control means and at least one appliance among the plurality of appliances, the device comprising:

   - an activation means (8) of the device in a first mode (3.1) where the control means (3.1) control the selected appliance by the selection means (8),

   - an activation means (2, 3, 8) of the device in a second mode (3.4) where several appliances at least are controlled by the control means according to associations created by the programming means (2, 3, 6, 8),

   characterised in that:

   - the selection means (8) of an appliance among a plurality of appliances also makes it possible to activate the second mode.
9. Control device according to claim 8, characterised in that the programming means (2, 3, 6, 8) comprises an association control means (2,3) unauthorising the programming of unauthorised associations.
10. Control device according to claim 9, characterised in that it comprises an emission means of a visual (9) or audible alarm signal during an attempt to programme an unauthorised association.
11. Control device according to one of claims 8, 9 or 10, characterised in that it comprises an appliance identifier display means (9); said means being activated when a control means associated with this appliance is activated.
12. Control device according to claim 11, characterised in that the appliance identifier display means (9) is integrated to the appliance selection means (8).
13. Control device according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterised in that the programming means (2, 3, 6, 8) comprises a selection means of a control means (6) and a selection means (8) of several appliances, such that the selected control means is associated with each appliance.
14. Control device according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterised in that the programming means (2, 3, 6, 8) comprises an appliance selection means (8) and a selection means of several control means, such that the selected appliance is associated with each control means.
15. Control device according to any one of claims 9 to 14 under the dependence of claim 9, characterised in that the control device comprises a touchscreen displaying authorised associations.
16. Control device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a selection means of at least one set of associations (2, 3, 6), the programming means (2, 3, 6, 8) being adapted to programme the set of associations selected by said means, and in that the activation means (8) only activates the associations of the selected set.
17. Control device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the appliance selection means (8) is made up of a switch comprising as many positions as there are appliances to control, plus one programmed associations activation position.
18. Control device according to claim 17 under the dependence of claim 16, characterised in that the selection means of a set of associations comprises a switch featuring as many positions as there are sets, this set selection means being activated when the appliance selection means (8) is in the association activation position.

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